Cycad plants provide an important 'ecosystem service'
A recent study by researchers at the University of Guam found that cycad plants share nitrogen and carbon through the soil, creating habitable environments for other organisms.
Plants
Articles tagged with Plants
Research push will examine how plants and microbes interact and adapt during drought
A team led by Maggie Wagner will study how plants and microbes adapt to drought, focusing on genetic changes in microbial communities. The research aims to understand the impact of drought on plant growth, health, and ability to withstand water stress.
Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.
Coumarin compounds from oak barrels could contribute to bitter taste in wine and spirits
Researchers detected six coumarins in oak wood, wine, and spirits, finding that a combination can produce a bitter taste. Higher levels of coumarins were found in red wines and spirits, particularly those aged for longer times.
Slow growth the key to long term cold sensing
Researchers have found a new temperature sensing mechanism in plants that uses slow growth to measure long-term changes in temperature. The study reveals that the protein NTL8 plays a crucial role in this process, accumulating slowly over time and being diluted by faster growth rates.
Research: Crop plants are taking up microplastics
A new study reveals that crop plants can absorb microplastics, contaminating edible plants and potentially entering the food chain. The research found that particles as small as 2 micrometers in size can be taken up by plant roots, raising concerns about human health and agricultural sustainability.
Climate change threat to tropical plants
A study by UNSW researchers found that tropical plants are more at risk from climate change than previously thought, with over 20% predicted to face temperatures above their upper limit. This is because they are near their maximum seed germination temperatures, and even small temperature increases could push them over the edge.
To listen is to survive: Unravelling how plants process information
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.
Sneaky salmonella finds a backdoor into plants
Wild strains of salmonella have been found to reopen stomates on plants, allowing them to bypass the immune defense system and cause foodborne illnesses. This finding highlights the increasing threat of opportunistic pathogens jumping from plants to humans through contaminated foods.
New research reveals plant control with the power of light
Scientists have discovered a way to control plant processes, such as growth and immune response, using colored light. The new system, PULSE, allows for precise manipulation of gene expression and can be repeated multiple times, opening up possibilities for improving crop yields and plant defenses.
Economic alien plants more likely to go wild
A global study found that cultivated economic plants are 18 times more likely to naturalize than non-cultivated species, with multiple uses being the most successful. Economic plants of Asian origin show the greatest naturalization success.
Uncovering the genetic basis of hermaphroditism in grapes, the trait that allowed domestication
Researchers at UC Davis propose a novel model of sex evolution before and during grapevine domestication, revealing the genetic basis of hermaphroditism. The study finds that female individuals arise from a recessive deletion in a gene necessary for pollen germination.
Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health
A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.
Wounded plants: How they coordinate their healing
Researchers at IST Austria found that hormone Auxin and pressure play a crucial role in plant wound healing. By manipulating Auxin levels and cellular pressure, the team identified these governing processes as key to understanding how plants regenerate and survive in challenging environments.
An ion channel senses cell swelling and helps cells to choose a response
Plant cells use mechanosensitive ion channels to sense cell swelling and induce programmed cell death. This regulatory mechanism protects the plant from damage. The discovery provides insight into how plants respond to mechanical signals, such as cell swelling, rather than chemical signals.
Study tracks decades of life cycle changes in nonwoody plants
Researchers tracked the life cycles of 43 plant species over 25 years, finding that some species' growing seasons are lengthening while others are shortening. The study suggests that climate change may be driving seasonal life cycle shifts in plants, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Scientists analyze spatio-temporal differentiation of spring phenology in China from 1979 to 2018
Researchers used co-clustering analysis to study the spatio-temporal differentiation of spring phenology in China. The results revealed three spatial patterns and five temporal patterns, with most areas in China exhibiting a stable state, while northern regions showed fluctuating trends.
Scientists analyze spatio-temporal differentiation of spring phenology in China from 1979 to 2018
Researchers analyzed long-term first bloom dates dataset using Bregman block average co-clustering algorithm with I-divergence, revealing spatio-temporal differentiation of spring phenology in China. The study identified three spatial patterns and five temporal categories, with most areas belonging to the stable state.
How do plants forget?
Researchers found a phenomenon called 'epigenetic resetting' in plant sperm that erases histone modifications, allowing seeds to forget their environment. This mechanism is similar to data erasure on hard drives and is essential for plants to adapt to changing conditions.
Pollinator-friendly flowers planted along with crops aid bumblebees
A new study by UMass Amherst and NC State biologists found that flower strips benefit common Eastern bumblebees despite some plants increasing pathogen infection rates. The researchers created three conditions with canola plants and different types of flower strips, showing that bees reproduce more with flower strips than without.
How plants forget
A team of scientists discovered that plants reset their epigenetic memory by removing the H3K27me3 histone mark from sperm, allowing seeds to remember only their mother's environment. This process is crucial for seed development and ensures proper flowering times.
Phylogenetically-guided drug discovery
A method integrating phylogenetic, spatial, and bioactivity data identifies promising plant clades with high anti-infective activities. Conservation of biodiversity hotspots is reinforced by a strong correlation between species diversity and metabolite diversity.
IKBFU scientists have discovered a way to increase wheat immunity
Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have found a way to increase wheat immunity by stimulating the biosynthesis of secondary compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of pre-sowing treatments that enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses.
Scientists use bacteria to help plants grow in salty soil
A new study shows that salt-tolerant bacteria can be used to enhance salt tolerance in various plant types. Researchers found promising initial results with Kentucky Bluegrass, increasing yield 8.4 times in dry weight compared to control plants.
$3 million NSF grant supports search for heat-tolerant tomatoes
A team of Wake Forest researchers, led by Gloria Muday, is working on a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to find heat-tolerant tomatoes. The goal is to map out how reproductive genes work in these varieties, which can help breed or engineer dependable crops despite rising global temperatures.
Self-isolation or keep calm and carry on -- the plant cell's dilemma
Plant cells must balance trade-offs between communication, resource exchange, and protection against pathogens like fungi and bacteria. Researchers discovered that chitin perception in plasmodesmata triggers specific signaling pathways that allow cells to isolate themselves, regulating vital processes independently of immune responses.
Plants control microbiome diversity inside leaves to promote health
A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that plants have genetic systems to host and nurture the right microbiome, promoting healthy growth. Increased microbiome diversity correlates with plant health, while abnormal compositions lead to tissue damage and symptoms similar to human inflammatory bowel disease.
Wallflowers could lead to new drugs
A team of researchers has identified the wallflower as a suitable model plant for discovering new cardenolides, which could lead to safer versions of heart disease and cancer treatments. The study provides a foundation for understanding the biosynthesis of cardenolides and their potential applications.
Genetic self-activation maintains plant stem cells
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism by which plant stem cells maintain their developmental potential, enabling branching and optimizing crop architecture. The study shows that the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) gene activates its own expression to keep its lineage active.
New framework will help decide which trees are best in the fight against air pollution
A comprehensive guide on tree species selection has been developed to combat air pollution from roads. The new framework identifies 12 influential traits for 61 tree species that make them effective barriers against pollution.
NTU scientists transform ultra-tough pollen into flexible material
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a way to turn pollen into soft and flexible microgel particles, which could serve as building blocks for new eco-friendly materials. The resulting pollen-based particles show promise for applications such as wound dressing, prosthetics, and implantable electronics.
Ethylene sensor could help monitor plant health
Researchers developed an easy-to-use sensor that can sensitively detect changes in ethylene levels, a key hormone in plant health. The sensor uses a network of single-walled carbon nanotubes to monitor fluctuations in ethylene gas levels, with high sensitivity suitable for monitoring plants in the field.
New technique has potential to protect oranges from citrus greening
Researchers identified peptides that trigger immune responses in multiple plant species, including citrus, potentially preventing or reducing yield loss from citrus greening. This discovery offers a new hope for the devastated citrus industry, where no resistant varieties are available and limited disease control measures exist.
Major advances in our understanding of New World Morning Glories
A new monograph published in PhytoKeys reveals details about the 425 New World species in the largest genus of morning glories, including six new species and nine new subspecies. The study found that most plants originated from two large centers: South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Technology to screen for higher-yielding crop traits is now more accessible to scientists
A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new method to quickly screen thousands of plants for key traits related to photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses hyperspectral cameras to analyze light reflected off plant surfaces and estimate trait values, allowing researchers to identify promising plants for further ...
How plants protect themselves from sun damage
A new study reveals that plants transfer excess energy from chlorophyll to carotenoids, which release it as heat, preventing photodamage. This discovery could help scientists develop new ways to improve crop yields by understanding the natural photoprotection system of plants.
Flower faithful native bee makes a reliable pollinator
A study published in Ecology found that a native sweat bee species, Halictus ligatus, has a daily routine that makes it a promising pollinator. The bees were found to consistently visit the same plant species day-to-day, making them valuable for commercial crop pollination.
Discovering what makes durian stink
The durian tree emits a potent smell due to the amino acid ethionine, which is released by a plant-specific enzyme during fruit ripening. The amino acid has been linked to liver damage and cancer in animal tests, but low concentrations may have positive immunomodulatory effects.
Baldness gene discovery reveals origin of hairy alpine plants
Researchers found that a specific gene is switched off in alpine plants, allowing them to grow hairs and protect against UV sunlight. The discovery could aid the production of useful chemicals and provide insights into plant evolution.
Ancient plant foods discovered in Arnhem Land, Australia
A team of archaeologists and Traditional Owners identified 10 plant foods, including fruits, nuts, roots, and palm stem, preserved as charcoal at the Madjedbebe archaeological site. The discovery provides insights into the complex lifestyle of the earliest Australian Aboriginal people.
Pollinating opossums confirm decades-long theory
Researchers found opossums removing bracts and eating nectar from Scybalium fungiforme flowers, confirming a nearly three-decade-old theory. The study also revealed hummingbirds as secondary pollinators, adding complexity to the plant's adaptation.
Biodiversity yields financial returns
An interdisciplinary study found that biodiversity increases yield and revenue in semi-natural grasslands. The researchers discovered that maintaining higher levels of plant diversity leads to improved forage quality and increased income from milk sales, comparable to the difference between extensively and intensively farmed land.
Generalist diet helps invasive crayfish thrive where it's introduced
Researchers found that invasive rusty crayfish are successful colonizers due to their adaptable diet, which includes both plant and animal matter. The study's findings support the notion that rusty crayfish are opportunistic omnivores.
How plants are built to be strong and responsive
Plant researchers have discovered a dual guidance system that enables plants to grow stronger and respond more flexibly to environmental cues. This autonomous system allows cellulose synthase complexes to interact with chemical trails left by other complexes, guiding the arrangement of cellulose fibres.
Global science team on red alert as Arctic lands grow greener
A global team of scientists is analyzing satellite and drone data to better understand the impact of climate change on Arctic vegetation. The research found that the greening of Arctic regions is caused by more than just warming temperatures, with other changes including differences in snowmelt and landscape wetness.
Hemp 'goes hot' due to genetics, not growing conditions
A study by Cornell University researchers found that hemp plants' propensity to become unusable due to high THC levels is determined by genetics, not environmental factors. The team discovered a correlation between the plants' genetics and chemical production, providing new insights into breeding low-THC hemp varieties.
Can chickpea genes save mustard seeds from blight disease?
Researchers have identified chickpea genes that offer robust non-host resistance to Alternaria blight, a devastating fungal disease affecting Brassica crops. The study reveals these genes can suppress fungal development and colonization in mustard plants, paving the way for blight-resistant crop varieties.
Nitrogen fertilizers finetune composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota
Researchers discovered that nitrogen fertilizers shape the composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota, with Actinobacteria colonizing root tissues. The diet represented by different nitrogen treatments determines the plant microbiota, highlighting potential targets for optimizing plant nutrition and global food security.
New study identifies bumble bees' favorite flowers to aid bee conservation
Researchers found that each bumble bee species selected a different assortment of flowers, even when foraging across the same landscape. The study identified 14 plant species preferentially selected by bumble bees, including thickstem aster and Rydberg's penstemon.
Unique centromere type discovered in the European dodder
Scientists at Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research discovered a new type of centromere in the European dodder, Cuscuta europaea. Unlike typical monocentric or holocentric species, the unique centromere in C. europaea was found to be independent of CENH3 histone distribution.
Cutting road transport pollution could help plants grow
Research suggests that reducing emissions of ozone-forming gases from human activities such as road transport and energy production can improve plant growth and capture more carbon. A 50% cut in these emissions is proposed as a large but plausible target to mitigate ozone-induced loss of plant productivity.
Deciphering the sugar code
Scientists at the University of Münster have developed a vaccine-like treatment that stimulates plants' natural immune system using a specific pattern in chitosan, a biopolymer. This breakthrough could lead to reduced chemical pesticide use and improved plant growth, as well as potential applications in scar-free wound healing.
Discovery of beneficial fungal taxa may help restore native plant in the PNW
Researchers discovered diverse fungal communities associated with camas seeds and roots, which may support its establishment in restored habitats. These findings could help scientists restore native prairie and wetland ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.
Plant genomes reveal the basis for adaptation to contrasting climates
Researchers identified specific genomic regions that have changed in response to natural selection to allow plant species to adapt to new climatic conditions. These adaptations are linked to traits such as winter survival and flowering, enabling plants to thrive in diverse climates.
Less sugar in school packed lunches but lower levels of vitamins/minerals than decade ago
School packed lunches in the UK still have low nutritional quality, with only 1.6% meeting food standards, according to a study. The analysis found that sugar levels decreased, while vitamin C content dropped significantly.
Improved functioning of diverse landscape mosaics
A new study reveals that landscapes with mixed land uses are more productive and stable than those with uniform use. The research found that diverse landscapes can mitigate effects of climate variation and interact in ways that improve the functioning of the entire landscape.
Research team traces evolution of the domesticated tomato
A research team led by Ana Caicedo at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified missing links in the tomato's evolution. The study reveals that the modern cultivated tomato is most closely related to a weed-like tomato group found in Mexico, not semi-domesticated intermediate types found in South America.
Drivers of plant population growth
Researchers analyzed 208 plant species across various environmental factors, finding that all three factor types have similar effects on plant performance. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when predicting future biodiversity changes.
A new tomato ideal for urban gardens and even outer space
Researchers have engineered a new variety of gene-edited tomato plants that can be grown in compact spaces, producing ripe fruit in under 40 days. These 'urban agriculture tomatoes' are designed to thrive in urban environments or other places with limited space, such as on the roof of a skyscraper or in space.
Agricultural parasite avoids evolutionary arms race, shuts down genes of host plants
Dodder parasitic plant avoids genetic evolution arms race with host plants by sending microRNAs that shut down defense genes. The parasite targets conserved host genes and creates multiple versions of its genetic weaponry to ensure effectiveness.